A police constable pepper sprayed a man in the face then mocked the size of his genitals after being called to reports of criminal damage and threatening behaviour.

PC David Boddy has been handed a final written warning for his conduct after a hearing in Exeter.

After a three-day hearing aat force headquarters the panel found that PC Boddy’s conduct during an incident in Plymouth last year amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour, namely authority, respect and courtesy, use of force, and equality and diversity, reports plymouthherald .

In June 2016, the Plymouth-based response officer attended the home address of a man following reports of criminal damage and threats made to his flatmate.

The force said PC Boddy used excessive and disproportionate force during the arrest by spraying the man in the face at close range with PAVA spray.

Following the arrest, PC Boddy then made “inappropriate, disrespectful and derogatory” comments to other officers about the man’s genitalia.

PC Boddy, who has been on restricted duties since the allegations were raised, was served with a final written warning after the hearing found the allegations proven.

The matter had been previously referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission who recommended that PC Boddy had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

Superintendent Pete Windle, head of professional standards, said: “We expect the highest standards of professional behaviour from all of our officers and staff and it is the core duty of all police officers and staff to protect the vulnerable and provide a high standard of service to our communities.

"The officer’s behaviour in this case directly contradicts the force’s values, the code of ethics and the standards of professional behaviour.

“The public rightly sets high expectations of the police and on this occasion the officer’s conduct seriously breached this expectation. Such behaviour, as demonstrated in this case, will not be tolerated within Devon and Cornwall Police.

"The overwhelming majority of officers uphold this high standard day in and day out and provide an exceptional service to our communities.”

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The panel said: “No information that would disclose the identity of the arrestee, in particular his name or that of his flatmate and the address, may be reported by members of the press or the public.

“Any footage, or other evidence to be played at the hearing, which may disclose the identity of the arrestee is to be heard in private.

“Any persons wishing to attend the hearing must apply to do so by completing the booking form on the Devon and Cornwall Police website. No person may attend the hearing if they have not completed the booking form.

“No recording or filming of the hearing will be permitted and any person attending may be searched upon entry to Devon and Cornwall Police Headquarters and must produce photographic ID.

“The use of live text based communications and social media communications are permitted so long as they do not interfere with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and comply with the above directions.”